THE BIRDS AND THE BERRIES.
Cro THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR"] SIR,—A propos of your correspondent "J. N.'s " reference to the rowan in the Spectator of November 13th, it would be interesting to know, from some of your observant readers in other parts of the country, if this useful and beautiful tree has behaved as it has done in this district. Instead of yield- ing their customary harvest of crimson berries for the birds, the ash-trees have had absolutely no fruit whatever this year. This is so unusual that it would be useful and interesting to know if the same thing has occurred in other parts of the country, and, if so, what are the causes of this barrenness, and what is its extent. As a role, the rowan yields its berries regularly and bountifully, and the birds fully appreciate the feast it spreads for them. The berries bang unmolested for weeks, till they reach the right state of ripeness ; then, as if by common consent, blackbirds, starlings, and thrushes some- times clear the whole off in a single day, with much scolding and chuckling, coming back again and again till the banquet is ended.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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